There are a few websites that I choose carefully and follow closely. They provide safe surfing since I can rely on them to give a sound diet of good food for faith....
john oconnor
diverse & centred
In early December 1979 I met with Bishop Brian Ashby, then bishop of the diocese of Christchurch, asking if he would consider me for seminary. He asked what work I...
Lorenzo RIP
Few people have had as significant influence on my life as Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete, and it was with great sadness that I learned of his death earlier today. You...
October “Traces”
One of the highlights of my monthly reading is the Traces magazine of the Communion & Liberation community. A couple of months ago the decision was taken to no...
Francis the teacher
Last week a parishioner asked me “what is our pope up to?” The parishioner was puzzled and concerned by many media comments suggesting that major changes to church...
synod & chickens
News headlines this week reported an “earthquake” in Rome with the publication of the mid-term report from the two week Synod: "Pastoral challenges to the family in the...
Teresa at 500
This year's celebration of the feast day of the 16th century Spanish saint Teresa of Avila is especially significant because in March of next year we will mark 500...
synod interview
Archbishop John Dew is representing New Zealand at the Synod on the Family in Rome this month. The synod is unprecedented in its wide-ranging and thorough consultation...
family beauty
Yesterday saw the beginning of the second week of the two week Synod on Family Life and evangelization. This is without doubt the most inclusive Synod of all time with...
human experience
Last night I received an email from a mutual friend of Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete: Monsignor Albacete has had a lung failure and his condition is extremely grave....
Latest Posts
the big picture
We often focus too much on overcoming a particular sin forgetting that our focus must be on Jesus Christ who gives us both the desire and the ability to overcome sin.
our holy longing
While at times we are faced with decisions involving good and evil, most often our choices are between something good, something better, and perhaps a best option.
the beautiful beggar
We regularly hear of good and holy men and women falling from grace and we are shocked and surprised.
choosing life
Our greatest human desire is not to be free of suffering and pain, but to live whatever reality is present in the great company…
a favourable time
Lent is the time to free ourselves from the illusion of chasing after dust. We ask ourselves today: Where do I stand? Do I live for fire or for ash?”